In Artemisa, a cinema's air conditioning unit was ripped off by the powerful winds of Hurricane Rafael and crashed onto a neighboring home, completely destroying its roof. Anay Cardoso, the homeowner, shared images on social media of the devastation caused by the condenser unit—the external component of the air conditioning system—plummeting onto her rooftop.
"This is what my house looks like after the air conditioners from Juárez Cinema in Artemisa fell onto the roof. We're still waiting for a crane," she stated. "My family and I are miraculously alive, but without a home or water. We have no access to retrieve what's left, all due to poor maintenance. And still, we're waiting for a crane. When I tire of waiting, there will be signs...," she warned.
Eventually, after a prolonged wait, local authorities dispatched a crane to remove the fallen unit, as documented by ARTV-Artemisa on their Facebook page, where they posted images of the removal process. The incident sparked outrage among Anay's friends and neighbors, who were concerned for her and her two young children. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Artemisa's Struggle Amidst Hurricane Rafael's Destruction
Artemisa bore the brunt of the hurricane's wrath. Residents took to social media to share the terrifying moments and the scale of destruction that threatened their homes and safety. Videos captured how the intense winds effortlessly tore zinc and fibrocement sheets from structures, sending them flying dangerously through the air. Shocked residents recorded the scenes, seeking shelter indoors and fearing the debris might strike their homes or themselves.
The Cuban Ministry of the Armed Forces (FAR) released aerial footage demonstrating the extensive damage across various municipalities in Artemisa. The landscape was bleak, with significant agricultural losses, destruction of greenhouses, and severe damage to the roofs of homes and state institutions.